Guidebook for Calgary
Essentials
Organic grocery store, close by and easy to walk to, and has a deli full of fresh made grab and go meals, soups, pastries, and coffee.
30 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Blush Lane Organic Market Bridgeland
617 Meredith Rd NEOrganic grocery store, close by and easy to walk to, and has a deli full of fresh made grab and go meals, soups, pastries, and coffee.
Lukes is the oldest independent pharmacy in Calgary and has been family run for 3 generations and counting. Lukes is more than just a pharmacy! They have: a coffee bar serving Four Barrel Coffee; postal services; full pharmaceutical services; grocery section down stairs; and sell vinyl records, hand made and locally made items, bus/train passes, and more! A local gem and very close to walk to if staying at our place!
61 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Lukes Drug Mart
112 4 St NELukes is the oldest independent pharmacy in Calgary and has been family run for 3 generations and counting. Lukes is more than just a pharmacy! They have: a coffee bar serving Four Barrel Coffee; postal services; full pharmaceutical services; grocery section down stairs; and sell vinyl records, hand made and locally made items, bus/train passes, and more! A local gem and very close to walk to if staying at our place!
Sightseeing
The plaza was built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games and has the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. -Reflecting pond (May - October, drained late June to mid-July for maintenance)
-Ice skating (mid-November to mid-March) - rentals available
-Famous Five sculpture
-Large seating area
-Stage
-Waterfalls
-Washroom (year round)
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I-Olympic Plaza
228 8 Ave SEThe plaza was built in 1988 for the Olympic Winter Games and has the only refrigerated outdoor ice surface in the city. -Reflecting pond (May - October, drained late June to mid-July for maintenance)
-Ice skating (mid-November to mid-March) - rentals available
-Famous Five sculpture
-Large seating area
-Stage
-Waterfalls
-Washroom (year round)
Bow River Pathway
Bow River PathwayGreat for walking, running, or cycling!
A beautiful bridge to look at and walk through. Accessible from the park along the river. I think it's worth a visit to get an iconic Calgary photo. Passes over the bow river with great views either side. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Bridge_(Calgary)
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Umgangatho Wezulu
Peace BridgeA beautiful bridge to look at and walk through. Accessible from the park along the river. I think it's worth a visit to get an iconic Calgary photo. Passes over the bow river with great views either side. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peace_Bridge_(Calgary)
Located right in front of the Bow Building, a 12-metre tall sculpture of a giant female head, called Wonderland, is made of wire. It has two entrances, allowing people to walk around inside it. It was created by Barcelona-based designer Jaume Plensa, whose work is on display around the world. Plensa was also commissioned to do another piece, called Alberta's Dream, a bronze cast of the artist embracing a real tree, which can be viewed by walking to the northwest side of The Bow.
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Umkhumbi we-Wonderland
110 6 Ave SELocated right in front of the Bow Building, a 12-metre tall sculpture of a giant female head, called Wonderland, is made of wire. It has two entrances, allowing people to walk around inside it. It was created by Barcelona-based designer Jaume Plensa, whose work is on display around the world. Plensa was also commissioned to do another piece, called Alberta's Dream, a bronze cast of the artist embracing a real tree, which can be viewed by walking to the northwest side of The Bow.
The Family of Man statues downtown have long since piqued my interest. I often wonder what these very very tall, lanky, leggy sculptures are meant to represent. They are quite peculiar up close, yet friendly! These statues were donated to the City of Calgary by Maxwell Cummings and sons in 1968, donated to the Calgary Board of Education, and dedicated by the Duke of Kent on the 8th of July 1968. They were first built by Mario Armengol for Britain's Pavilion at Expo 67. The statues are 21 feet tall.
Family of Man Sculpture
The Family of Man statues downtown have long since piqued my interest. I often wonder what these very very tall, lanky, leggy sculptures are meant to represent. They are quite peculiar up close, yet friendly! These statues were donated to the City of Calgary by Maxwell Cummings and sons in 1968, donated to the Calgary Board of Education, and dedicated by the Duke of Kent on the 8th of July 1968. They were first built by Mario Armengol for Britain's Pavilion at Expo 67. The statues are 21 feet tall.
Rising from the downtown core, the Calgary Tower is a must-see for any visitor. On the observation deck, experience a 360° panoramic view of the bustling city, the foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Stand on the amazing glass floor for a birds-eye view of the streets below.
757 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
I-Calgary Tower
101 9 Ave SWRising from the downtown core, the Calgary Tower is a must-see for any visitor. On the observation deck, experience a 360° panoramic view of the bustling city, the foothills and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Stand on the amazing glass floor for a birds-eye view of the streets below.
Food Scene
A local favourite and great for take-away! There’s one iconic Canadian dish that’s a “must try” in Calgary, the birthplace of sticky-sweet ginger beef. Here, you can savour a plate of crispy and golden battered beef swimming in a sticky, spicy sauce, often served over rice. If you're a vegetarian, they will custom-make anything on their menu for you to ensure that it's veggie-friendly. I love ordering the deep fried eggplant!
12 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Spicy Hut
203 4 Street NortheastA local favourite and great for take-away! There’s one iconic Canadian dish that’s a “must try” in Calgary, the birthplace of sticky-sweet ginger beef. Here, you can savour a plate of crispy and golden battered beef swimming in a sticky, spicy sauce, often served over rice. If you're a vegetarian, they will custom-make anything on their menu for you to ensure that it's veggie-friendly. I love ordering the deep fried eggplant!
The owners of El Charrito are from Jalisco, Mexico and they serve some very authentic Mexican fare. People are in love with their tacos! Lengua, asada, al pastor...have one of each...or two...they also have barbacoa tacos that are grilled until crispy on the outside. They serve proper Mexican street food. Is it fancy? No. Is it supposed to be? No. It is reasonably priced and super tasty. Open late, till 1am, on Fridays and Saturdays. This is also an absolute haven for the gluten-averse and intolerant.
9 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Taqueria El Charrito
808 Edmonton TrailThe owners of El Charrito are from Jalisco, Mexico and they serve some very authentic Mexican fare. People are in love with their tacos! Lengua, asada, al pastor...have one of each...or two...they also have barbacoa tacos that are grilled until crispy on the outside. They serve proper Mexican street food. Is it fancy? No. Is it supposed to be? No. It is reasonably priced and super tasty. Open late, till 1am, on Fridays and Saturdays. This is also an absolute haven for the gluten-averse and intolerant.
A small, independently owned neighbourhood business, and worth the wait if there is a line. Blue Star provides great tasting, high quality food, and uses locally produced and organic ingredients whenever possible. Everything is done right: friendly and attentive staff, relaxing decor and well organized seating space with bar area, a menu that takes chances while keeping staples in reach for those who want to keep it simple, and my god the coffee is fantastic! They are gluten, vegetarian, and vegan aware/friendly too.
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Blue Star Diner
809 1 Ave NEA small, independently owned neighbourhood business, and worth the wait if there is a line. Blue Star provides great tasting, high quality food, and uses locally produced and organic ingredients whenever possible. Everything is done right: friendly and attentive staff, relaxing decor and well organized seating space with bar area, a menu that takes chances while keeping staples in reach for those who want to keep it simple, and my god the coffee is fantastic! They are gluten, vegetarian, and vegan aware/friendly too.
This retro-inspired diner serves up made-from-scratch comfort food for breakfast, brunch & lunch using local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Don’t be suprised if there is a line-up to get in – especially for weekend brunch. This place is very popular…but that’s a good thing, right? All of their dishes are prepared in house and therefore have the ability to accommodate a variety of allergies and dietary restrictions. Roughly 90% of their Breakfast/Lunch can be prepared Gluten Free. Take-Out Orders Available. No Delivery. Reservations - Politely Declined. Open Daily 7:30AM - 3:00PM AND Open Evenings Thursday, Friday & Saturday 3pm - 9pm.
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diner deluxe
804 Edmonton TrailThis retro-inspired diner serves up made-from-scratch comfort food for breakfast, brunch & lunch using local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. Don’t be suprised if there is a line-up to get in – especially for weekend brunch. This place is very popular…but that’s a good thing, right? All of their dishes are prepared in house and therefore have the ability to accommodate a variety of allergies and dietary restrictions. Roughly 90% of their Breakfast/Lunch can be prepared Gluten Free. Take-Out Orders Available. No Delivery. Reservations - Politely Declined. Open Daily 7:30AM - 3:00PM AND Open Evenings Thursday, Friday & Saturday 3pm - 9pm.
Straight up Middle Eastern Dishes. Shish Taouk, Beef Shawarma, Falafels & Baklava, Hommus, Baba Ghannouj, and Warm Housemade Pita.
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Tazza Deli & Grill
1105 1 Ave NEStraight up Middle Eastern Dishes. Shish Taouk, Beef Shawarma, Falafels & Baklava, Hommus, Baba Ghannouj, and Warm Housemade Pita.
Measuring just 320 square feet, Burger 320 has 11 creative burgers on the menu, all of which have a thick beef patty and are served on a branded brioche bun. Don't worry they have non-meat burgers too! Throw in a side order of fresh-cut fries with sea salt or mushrooms with truffle aioli. Note that this business is cash only, so come prepared.
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Burger 320
814 1 Ave NEMeasuring just 320 square feet, Burger 320 has 11 creative burgers on the menu, all of which have a thick beef patty and are served on a branded brioche bun. Don't worry they have non-meat burgers too! Throw in a side order of fresh-cut fries with sea salt or mushrooms with truffle aioli. Note that this business is cash only, so come prepared.
Arrive early and be one of the lucky few to taste the ramen here. Serving just 150 bowls each day, Shiki Menya is focused on quality: all the noodles are handmade, all the soups are made entirely from scratch and all the meat is sourced from local farms.
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Shiki Menya
824 1 Ave NEArrive early and be one of the lucky few to taste the ramen here. Serving just 150 bowls each day, Shiki Menya is focused on quality: all the noodles are handmade, all the soups are made entirely from scratch and all the meat is sourced from local farms.
Owner Rocco Cosentino went all the way to Italy to learn the secret behind making the perfect pizza. Now LDV Pizza Bar boasts authentic, thin-crust pizzas straight from a wood-burning oven. Designed to have a comfortable, rustic interior, this is a casual spot to grab a slice upstairs from La Dolce Vita. I love it when I can get a table by the window terrace.
29 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
LDV Pizza Bar
916 1 Ave NEOwner Rocco Cosentino went all the way to Italy to learn the secret behind making the perfect pizza. Now LDV Pizza Bar boasts authentic, thin-crust pizzas straight from a wood-burning oven. Designed to have a comfortable, rustic interior, this is a casual spot to grab a slice upstairs from La Dolce Vita. I love it when I can get a table by the window terrace.
Main Dish has pioneered Calgary’s scene for healthy convenient eating by selling healthy meals on the go. They also have a hot meals all day that you can purchase and eat in the store.
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The Main Dish
903 General Ave NEMain Dish has pioneered Calgary’s scene for healthy convenient eating by selling healthy meals on the go. They also have a hot meals all day that you can purchase and eat in the store.
Housed in the historical Simmons Building alongside the Bow River. The Argentine wood-fired grill is the true inspiration behind charbar's identity, taking from the history and culture of what it represents.
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charbar
618 Confluence Way SEHoused in the historical Simmons Building alongside the Bow River. The Argentine wood-fired grill is the true inspiration behind charbar's identity, taking from the history and culture of what it represents.
Part of the joy of grabbing a java from Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters in the Simmons Building (alongside the Bow River) comes from watching the roasting process right before your eyes. A state of the art coffee roasterie is at the heart of the warm inviting café. This place is legit for coffee lovers!
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Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters - Simmons Building Cafe
618 Confluence Way SEPart of the joy of grabbing a java from Phil & Sebastian Coffee Roasters in the Simmons Building (alongside the Bow River) comes from watching the roasting process right before your eyes. A state of the art coffee roasterie is at the heart of the warm inviting café. This place is legit for coffee lovers!
One of my favourite places to go along the river! Everything is delicious here! A legit bakery with delecteble pastries, and they offer very tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads too. You can find seating on the main floor, at the bar, or upstairs for a quieter space.
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Sidewalk Citizen Bakery
618 Confluence Way SEOne of my favourite places to go along the river! Everything is delicious here! A legit bakery with delecteble pastries, and they offer very tasty soups, sandwiches, and salads too. You can find seating on the main floor, at the bar, or upstairs for a quieter space.
Starbucks
951 General Avenue NortheastCalgary's most famous burgers and shakes destination!!! Fresh, flame-broiled burgers that are never frozen and are made especially for Peters' Drive-In, burgers made from 100% whole Canadian grade "A" ground chuck, fresh hamburger buns made especially for Peters' Drive-In using old-fashioned slow-rising sponge dough, BBQ sauce that gives their burgers their unique flavour made daily using a special recipe, real Canadian cheddar cheese, hot dogs and cheese dogs made with 100% beef wieners, fries and onion rings cooked in premium, cholesterol free, trans-fat free, 100% pure canola oil, milkshakes and sundaes made with real ice cream and real fruit, and topped with real whipped cream.
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Peters' Drive-In
219 16 Ave NECalgary's most famous burgers and shakes destination!!! Fresh, flame-broiled burgers that are never frozen and are made especially for Peters' Drive-In, burgers made from 100% whole Canadian grade "A" ground chuck, fresh hamburger buns made especially for Peters' Drive-In using old-fashioned slow-rising sponge dough, BBQ sauce that gives their burgers their unique flavour made daily using a special recipe, real Canadian cheddar cheese, hot dogs and cheese dogs made with 100% beef wieners, fries and onion rings cooked in premium, cholesterol free, trans-fat free, 100% pure canola oil, milkshakes and sundaes made with real ice cream and real fruit, and topped with real whipped cream.
We love OEB and would recommend it to anybody!
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OEB Breakfast Co. Bridgeland
825 1 Avenue NortheastWe love OEB and would recommend it to anybody!
We love OEB! Also, one of our favorite coffee shops in the city is in the same building and is called Monogram. Check it out for an amazing java experience!
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OEB
222 5 Avenue SouthwestWe love OEB! Also, one of our favorite coffee shops in the city is in the same building and is called Monogram. Check it out for an amazing java experience!
Cru meticulously blends and bottles a rainbow of raw, cold-pressed juices that are packed to the brim with the planet's most revered superfoods. My favorite are the Coffee Break Shake (almond mylk, Fernwood cold-brew coffee, banana, cacao, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, cacao nibs, sea salt) and Greenhouse Juice (Cucumber, Orange, Fennel, Pineapple
Romaine, Spinach, Cilantro).
Jusu Bar Bridgeland
236 4 St NECru meticulously blends and bottles a rainbow of raw, cold-pressed juices that are packed to the brim with the planet's most revered superfoods. My favorite are the Coffee Break Shake (almond mylk, Fernwood cold-brew coffee, banana, cacao, dates, vanilla, cinnamon, cacao nibs, sea salt) and Greenhouse Juice (Cucumber, Orange, Fennel, Pineapple
Romaine, Spinach, Cilantro).
I love this amazing retro old school diner with vintage video games! They have lots of options, great sides, and even a vegatarian can enjoy a meal here! I love to sit at the bar, order a shake, burger, and fries and enjoy life! Some of their burgers are topped with mini corndogs!
40 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Boogie's Burgers
908 Edmonton TrailI love this amazing retro old school diner with vintage video games! They have lots of options, great sides, and even a vegatarian can enjoy a meal here! I love to sit at the bar, order a shake, burger, and fries and enjoy life! Some of their burgers are topped with mini corndogs!
This is Halifax Street Food in Calgary. I love their lobster rolls....seriously, amazing, goodness!!! This is a cozy, 30ish-seat, establishment and gets its name from the intersection of Halifax’s famed Pizza Corner, which gained its notoriety from a trio of late-night fast-casual spots. The staff are very warm and know the menu well and that makes the experience well worth coming back for.
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Blowers & Grafton
709 Edmonton TrailThis is Halifax Street Food in Calgary. I love their lobster rolls....seriously, amazing, goodness!!! This is a cozy, 30ish-seat, establishment and gets its name from the intersection of Halifax’s famed Pizza Corner, which gained its notoriety from a trio of late-night fast-casual spots. The staff are very warm and know the menu well and that makes the experience well worth coming back for.
Casual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads.
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Subway
929 1 Ave NECasual counter-serve chain for build-your-own sandwiches & salads.
Clean your palate and bring your appetite! The food here is obviously prepared by a talented chef. The presentation is eye candy and the service is outstanding. Fine dining is pricey though! $$$
Whitehall Restaurant
24 4 St NEClean your palate and bring your appetite! The food here is obviously prepared by a talented chef. The presentation is eye candy and the service is outstanding. Fine dining is pricey though! $$$
Great pedestrian street to walk along. There are plenty of shopping opportunities and restaurants to keep you busy for hours.
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Stephen Avenue Walk
340 8 Ave SWGreat pedestrian street to walk along. There are plenty of shopping opportunities and restaurants to keep you busy for hours.
Getting Around
City Hall LRT STation (NB Macleod TR @ 7 AV SE)
616 Macleod Trail SEWB Bridgeland - Memorial CTrain Station
Catch the bus to downtown or the closest train station at this location! Can use bus pass for train and vice versa.
SB 4 St NE @ 1 Av NE station
Catch the bus to downtown or the closest train station at this location! Can use bus pass for train and vice versa.
The CTrain travels downtown along 7 Avenue between City Hall and West/Kerby Stations. This stretch of the CTrain system can help connect you to where you want to go in downtown and is 100% FREE to ride between City hall station and West/Kerby Stations.
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Brentwood station
The CTrain travels downtown along 7 Avenue between City Hall and West/Kerby Stations. This stretch of the CTrain system can help connect you to where you want to go in downtown and is 100% FREE to ride between City hall station and West/Kerby Stations.
The Plus 15 or +15 Skyway network in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the world's most extensive pedestrian skywalk system, with a total length of 18 kilometres (11 miles) and 62 bridges. The system is so named because the skywalks are approximately 15 feet (approximately 4.5 metres) above street level. (Some Plus 15 skywalks are multi-level, with higher levels being referred to as +30s and +45s.) Businesses and general public make extensive use of the +15 system—a system that enhances the flow of human traffic. The +15 system has and will likely continue to provide both economic and climatic benefits now and in the future. Click here to view the +15 map: http://calgarydowntown.com/imag
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Downtown
The Plus 15 or +15 Skyway network in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, is the world's most extensive pedestrian skywalk system, with a total length of 18 kilometres (11 miles) and 62 bridges. The system is so named because the skywalks are approximately 15 feet (approximately 4.5 metres) above street level. (Some Plus 15 skywalks are multi-level, with higher levels being referred to as +30s and +45s.) Businesses and general public make extensive use of the +15 system—a system that enhances the flow of human traffic. The +15 system has and will likely continue to provide both economic and climatic benefits now and in the future. Click here to view the +15 map: http://calgarydowntown.com/imag
Parks & Nature
St. Patrick's Island
1300 Zoo Rd NEPrince's Island Park
698 Eau Claire Ave SWRotary Park
617 1 St NERotary Park
617 1 St NEThese beautiful botanical gardens are located on the very top floor of a shopping mall located in Calgary's downtown core. This is a great place to bring a coffee and book on a rainy day or a really hot day! Free admission to all!
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Isityalo sase-University of Alberta Botanic Garden
51227 AB-60These beautiful botanical gardens are located on the very top floor of a shopping mall located in Calgary's downtown core. This is a great place to bring a coffee and book on a rainy day or a really hot day! Free admission to all!
Grab a pizza from Roma's, LDV, or Pizza Unlimited and eat it in the park! This is my favourite park in the neighborhood and is close to all these pizza joints so it's easy to get to on foot. Roma's is probably the closest to this park. Fun fact, this is where my community garden plot is - check it out!
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Bridgeland Riverside Community Association
917 Centre Ave NEGrab a pizza from Roma's, LDV, or Pizza Unlimited and eat it in the park! This is my favourite park in the neighborhood and is close to all these pizza joints so it's easy to get to on foot. Roma's is probably the closest to this park. Fun fact, this is where my community garden plot is - check it out!
Entertainment & Activities
I-Calgary Zoo
Science centre with interactive museum exhibits, a children's play area & an HD planetarium theatre.
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TELUS Spark
Science centre with interactive museum exhibits, a children's play area & an HD planetarium theatre.
Now's your chance to try speed skating! Skate rentals are available on site. The Olympic Oval is home to the fastest ice in the world, attracting the best athletes from Canada and around the world to train and compete in a world class facility. Every year they welcome thousands of visitors, public skaters, athletes and coaches to this rink, located on the University of Calgary campus. The Oval has three ice surfaces, one long track speed skating oval and two Olympic-size hockey rinks, which fit inside the oval ice. *Note: you are required to wear a helmet when skating on this rink. We can loan you our helmets so you don't have to rent them.
18 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Olympic Oval
288 Collegiate Blvd NWNow's your chance to try speed skating! Skate rentals are available on site. The Olympic Oval is home to the fastest ice in the world, attracting the best athletes from Canada and around the world to train and compete in a world class facility. Every year they welcome thousands of visitors, public skaters, athletes and coaches to this rink, located on the University of Calgary campus. The Oval has three ice surfaces, one long track speed skating oval and two Olympic-size hockey rinks, which fit inside the oval ice. *Note: you are required to wear a helmet when skating on this rink. We can loan you our helmets so you don't have to rent them.
I-Downhill Karting ngu-Skyline Luge Calgary
Cineplex Odeon Eau Claire Market
200 Barclay Parade SWGlobe Cinema
617 8 Ave SWThe Jack Singer Concert Hall in Arts Commons is described as one of the most beautiful and acoustically acclaimed venues in North America. As the home of Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, BD&P World Music, and TD Jazz, audiences are treated to some of the world's finest musical events. View their website for to see upcoming events. They have free events sometimes too! https://www.artscommons.ca/jacksingerconcerthall.aspx
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Arts Commons
205 8 Ave SEThe Jack Singer Concert Hall in Arts Commons is described as one of the most beautiful and acoustically acclaimed venues in North America. As the home of Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, BD&P World Music, and TD Jazz, audiences are treated to some of the world's finest musical events. View their website for to see upcoming events. They have free events sometimes too! https://www.artscommons.ca/jacksingerconcerthall.aspx
Arts & Culture
A ten day long community celebration - http://www.calgarystampede.com/
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Stampede park
650 25 Ave SEA ten day long community celebration - http://www.calgarystampede.com/
Igumbi leGlenbow
130 9 Ave SEFort Calgary National Historic Site
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra
205 8 Ave SETheatre Calgary
220 9 Ave SECentral Library
800 3 St SE